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Looking for a fun project to use up all your fabric scraps? Try these two, easy fabric wreath patterns. They’re easy to use, and make cute looking decorations!
Wreaths have been popular home decor options for ages, but just recently they’ve become trendy again. Part of that is owing to the sheer range of unique and beautiful options out there. The fabric variety is just one, excellent choice of many.
So if you’re interested in broadening your crafts, these décor items are a great place to start!
Check out some of our other guides for more info:
Here are two basic projects that are prefect for crafters of all levels:
Rag Wreath
Rag wreaths are a popular choice because they’re so easy to make. Essentially, all you’re doing is taking strips of fabric and tying them onto the frame.
The pattern for these is also very simple. In fact, you may not even need one! They’re supposed to look rustic, so if you have some oddly shaped bits here and there, it’s fine.
If you do want to use a guide, here’s a basic one to get you started:
Step by Step Guide
If you’re interested in doing this project, it’s pretty straightforward! Here are some basic directions to help you get an idea of how to do things. If you’re more of a visual learner, there are also plenty of great video tutorials to help you out.
- You’ll want to start by selecting your frame first. For this option, a wire frame is preferable.
- Next, cut your fabric of choice using the pattern above. If you don’t want to use the pattern, the strips are 4 inches wide and 10 inches long. You can simply measure that out and cut the fabric directly. (Keep in mind that this is just a suggested size; you can certainly adjust it as needed.)
- You’ll want to start by cutting out 25-40 strips. There’s no way to determine exactly how many strips you will need, so start with a number in that range. You can add to it as you go, if needed.
- Take a strip, and tie it onto one of the rings of the frame. (Most frames come with four different rings, two on the outside and two on the inside.) Tie the strips so that the knot is in the middle, with two even ties hanging off.
- Take the next strip, and tie it onto that same ring, close to the first one. When it’s secure, slide it so that it’s directly next to the first tie. Keep your ties as close together as possible, since this will create a fuller look.
- When you’ve finished a ring, take a moment to separate the strips of fabric as needed. This will fluff it and allow you to see if there are any gaps. It will also give you a better idea of what the finished look will be.
- Repeat the process for all four rings of the frame. Cut out more strips of fabric as needed.
Tips and Tricks
With this type of project, the smaller the better. A larger frame will take up a surprising amount of fabric. It will also take a lot of time and effort.
To that end, stick to eight-inch frames or less. This will still create a full looking decoration, with far less effort.
Keep in mind that there are also tons of different frame shapes you can choose from. You can do hearts, letters, crosses, stars, and other shapes. You don’t have to do a circle just because it’s traditional.
Another way to shake up the look is to change how you cut the fabric. Using shape scissors, or rounding off the edges are two fun options. You can also go for a more rustic look by fraying the fabric a bit.
For this, just tug at the fibers along the sides, to loosen them up a bit. This will cause the fibers to fray, and create a more well-worn look.
Ruffled Wreath
Another basic option is to do a ruffled look.
There are a lot of different ways to do ruffles, so I recommend look at a few different tutorials to determine which one is right for you.
For the most basic one, you’re essentially creating a giant scrunchy. You do this by creating a long fabric tube, that you run over the frame and then bunch up.
It sounds a bit silly, but it actually makes for a fun, pretty option.
Here is the basic pattern to get you started:
A Note About Frames
When working with this style of wreath, I highly recommend foam frames. These make things so much easier since they’re already got a rounded shape. They also allow you to simply pin or glue things in place as needed.
The average foam frame comes in the following size: 13.5 x 13.5 x 1.83 inches. This means the average circumference is around 42.5 inches.
In order to get good sized ruffles, you’ll want the fabric to actually be longer than that. A good measurement is right around 55 inches. Although, you may have to shorten or lengthen that, depending on how big you want your ruffles to be.
Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Take a serrated blade and cut a gap in the foam frame. Go from the top of the frame, and cut down into the center, on one side only. This will allow you to open up the frame and slide the fabric onto it. (Try to keep the cut as clean as possible.)
Step 2: Cut out your fabric strips. The basic size is 6 inches wide by 8 inches long, but you don’t have to stick to that. You can do shorter ones to create a stripped look, or you can go wider to have a fuller wreath.
If you do decide to go with the basic size, you’ll need 8 panels to fit the 55 inches mentioned above. (There will be some left over, but that’s fine; it’s easy to trim any excess. Alternatively, you can simply add another panel if you wind up needing more fabric.)
Step 3: Once everything is cut, you’ll need to make your tube. To do this, flip the panels so that the reverse is showing. (The reverse is the back of the fabric, that won’t be visible.)
Line them up, shorter sides together, so that they overlap about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. This area will become your seam.
Use a straight stitch to sew along the seams, joining the fabric panels together. (If you’re more advanced in sewing, you can use whatever type of stitch you want.) In most cases, the seam will be hidden in the ruffles, so it’s okay if things aren’t perfect.
If you don’t want to sew, you can also use fabric glue to attach the panels together. This is a great way to save time on this project, and it also makes it more accessible for younger craft enthusiasts.
Step 4: Repeat until you have a line of fabric panels, at least 55 inches in length. (It will be closer to 60 inches.)
Step 5: Once all the sides are attached together, you’ll need to fold them in half, lengthwise (hot dog style). Again, the reverse should be showing.
From there, use a straight stitch to sew along the long edge where the two sides meet. After that, you should have a tube of fabric.
Step 6: Turn the tube right-side out, so that the front of the fabric is visible.
Step 7: Slide the fabric tube on to the frame, using the cut that you made in step one. Try to get all the fabric on the frame by bunching it close together. (It doesn’t have to look nice yet.)
Step 8: Once all the fabric is on the frame, adjust it as needed. To create ruffles, bunch the fabric together. You can pin the fabric to the form as you go, to secure the look you like. Try to keep the long seam on whatever side will become the back so that it doesn’t show.
If you need to, slide the end of the tube off the frame and attach any additional panels. You can also trim any excess length.
Step 9: At this point, you have the option of gluing the frame back together. This will help the frame be sturdier, but it’s not necessary.
To do this, start by pushing the fabric back, away from the cut. You can pin it or tie it in place temporarily, so that it doesn’t get any glue on it.
Then, take your glue and follow the directions on the container to mend the foam. Keep in mind that only certain glues work with foam. You’ll want to use something like Gorilla Glue, which works on multiple surfaces.
Step 10: When you’re ready, line up the ends of the fabric tube and tuck one end into the other. From there, pin or glue it onto the frame. (You can also sew it, to make it more secure). Try to keep any pins or glue on whatever side will be the back.
Step 10: Add a bow or any additional embellishments you want.
Tips and Tricks
As previously mentioned, one trick to make this a much easier project, is to skip the sewing. If you have no patience or talent for a needle and thread, just use fabric glue instead.
This is the perfect project for glue, since it’s easy to hide any ugly seams. You can also secure any weak areas with pins, to ensure that they stay in place.
It’s also a great opportunity to get creative with your fabric selection. You can mix patterns and colors for a bold, eclectic look.
Fun Decor for Everyone
One of the great things about fabric is that there are so many possibilities. With different colors, textures, patterns, and prints, you have nearly endless options.
Experiment with the two tutorials above, or check out our other great fabric-themed DIY projects.
Either way, fabric wreath patterns are a great DIY project that crafters of all levels can enjoy.
